More Bracket Busters
On Sunday and Monday it was Wawrinka and Nishikori falling. Yesterday, Grigor Dimitrov lost to Ivo Karlovic and Li Na lost to Kristina Mladenovic. For Dimitrov, a loss to Dr. Ivo isn't nearly as big of an upset as it seems. Karlovic is always a tough out because of his booming serve, but I had high hopes that Dimitrov could handle him at Roland Garros like he did in Rome earlier this year. Li, on the other hand, was more of a stunner. She's a proven Grand Slam winner even though her results are admittedly always up and down. Also of note, the 13th seed, Caroline Wozniacki, fell in three sets to Belgian Yanina Wickmayer.
The Bottom Quarter of the Women's Draw…
Appears to be totally up for grabs. Li Na was the obvious favorite out of that quarter, but she's already bowed out. Former #1 and 13th seed Caroline Wozniacki is also gone. Jelena Jankovic is the highest seed remaining in that quarter at #6. Former French Open finalist Sara Errani holds the #10 seed and could make a run as well.
Retirement
Young American Jack Sock moved through to the second round when Nicolas Almagro retired while trailing 0-5 in the first set. Jurgen Zopp also moved through when German veteran Tommy Haas retired with a shoulder injury while leading the first set 5-2. Magdalena Rybarikova advanced when Urszula Radwanska retired trailing 0-3 in the third. Elina Svitolina punched her second round ticket when Petra Martic retired while trailing 0-5 in the first set of their match.
Another Kind of Retirement
Frenchman Michael Llodra—who has announced that he'll retire at the end of 2014—was bounced from the singles draw of his home Slam by Fernando Verdasco. Llodra was ranked as high as #21 in singles, though he made his biggest mark in the doubles game where he reached a career high of #3 and captured three Grand Slam titles along with four runner-up trophies. Llodra is participating in the men's doubles tournament where he's seeded 5th with countryman Nicolas Mahut and the mixed doubles tournament where he pairs countrywoman Amandine Hesse.
Doubles Play
The men's doubles tournament got underway yesterday. The women's doubles and the mixed doubles are both scheduled to get started today on the outside courts.
The Hangover
The match between American Steve Johnson and Frenchman Laurent Lokoli was suspended due to darkness with Johnson leading 3-1 in the 5th set. The Johnson-Lokoli match is the final first round match yet to be completed and should finish today on Court 7 unless the weather interferes.